Tag Archives: acid-free

What many “big box” and “chain store” framers call their “proven method” of mounting artwork is actually a procedure developed decades ago to mount processed photographs, lithographs, posters and other types of images popular at the time. This old-technology and the dry mounting materials used were once acceptable, but the heat and mounting time required in this old process can cause serious problems to contemporary images. Even if no damage is immediately apparent, the acid exposure, higher heat and longer mounting time of old mounting methods can alter the ink chemistry enough to create or accelerate color shift, bubbling and/or fading over time – potentially damaging your artwork.

Serigraphs, lithographs, monoprints and fine art are commonly mounted using a hinged tape method that dries out over time and can release the artwork from its original position. To prevent this from happing today, SF framing now uses an acid free four corner mounting method that secures the artwork for a lifetime.

New permanent mounting process used by SF Framing.

Recognizing new digital imaging technologies have been rapidly replacing older-technology image types, SF Framing now mounts all digital prints, inkjet, giclee, laminated charts and maps, posters and prints using a new high tech dry mounting adhesive process called Gilman MountCor. This new permanent adhesive process protects virtually all modern art images using low temperatures and fast mounting times to ensure your art is mounted safely and cleanly using a pH neutral and particle free process.

When you choose to work with the professionals at SF Framing, you can be assured we only use high quality materials, modern equipment and state-of-the-art procedures to provide you with the very best mounting and framing experience available today.

Most people are familiar with the use of moulding and matting when it comes to custom framing, however, many are unaware of the importance of glazing when it comes to the protection and beauty of their framed piece. This is understandable as you might even ask yourself, what is “glazing”? Glazing is the protective covering used in picture framing – it refers to either acrylic or glass. It’s understandable when people wonder if they should cover their artwork with glass, acrylic or nothing at all.

The glazing you choose can be extremely important as glazing will help protect your cherished artwork, family photos, or any object you wish to have framed. We know that when you come to SF Framing to custom frame, it is because the piece you are framing is important to you, and the project you bring to us is something you want to enjoy for a long time to come. The following are our recommendations for you:

We generally do not recommend glazing over oils, acrylic and giclee paintings.

Acrylic is preferable for the majority of artwork. It is both lighter than glass and shatterproof – important factors to consider in regions plagued with earthquakes and for pieces larger than 36 inches x 48 inches. An exception is pastels, since acrylic’s static charge can attract fine chalk particles from the artwork. In this case, glass is often substituted.

Whether you choose glass or acrylic glazing, when you have something that you want to preserve from the effects of damaging ultraviolet (UV) light, we recommend the glazing material chosen be treated with a special coating to keep out damaging UV light. This is often called “Museum” acrylic or glass – which is more expensive than standard acrylic or glass. A new economical anti-reflective, UV protective glass is now available from SF Framing to help reduce the cost of preserving your piece.

There are two types of mat material: acidic, and “acid-free” (neutral pH). Most old mats are typically acidic, because acid-free paper was not widely available until very recently. While most newer mats are acid-free, there are some that are not neutral pH and may still contain acid.

The difference between acidic and acid-free matting is important for the long term protection of your piece because acidic mats can cause what is called “mat burn”, brown or yellow marks on the beveled edge of the mat and the displayed piece itself. While mat burn is sometimes reversible through cleaning the piece, cleaning may not be feasible. Always ask your SF Framing design consultant about the acid content of any mat if the desired life of the piece being framed is more than 75 years.